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Board of Supervisors — 2021-06-22

Board of Supervisors — 2021-06-22June 22, 2021

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 June 22, 2021

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Meeting Summary

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Present: Williams, 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino, 4-Nelson

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.

At a glance

Behavioral Wellness and General Services Contract Renewals

  • The board reviewed contract renewals for Telecare Corporation and Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc. for Adult Crisis Residential Mental Health Services.
  • Staff clarified that lease rates for county properties include operational costs reimbursed by state and federal dollars.
  • A rate error for a Lompoc location was corrected during the discussion.
  • The board approved the staff recommendation to renew the contracts.

Community Services Climate Action Planning Services

  • The board considered a first amendment to the agreement with Rincon Consultants Inc. for Climate Action Planning Services.
  • Discussion focused on updating data collection methodologies to ensure comparability with historical data.
  • Staff noted that final policies would likely remain similar, with implementation extent being the deciding factor.
  • The board approved the amendment to the agreement.

Resolution Honoring County Counsel Mike C. Gazzone

  • The board considered a resolution honoring County Counsel Mike C. Gazzone upon his retirement.
  • Chief Assistant County Counsel Rachel Van Molen spoke regarding Gazzone’s service, followed by remarks from several supervisors.
  • Public comment was received from Renee O’Neill, and Gazzone addressed the board to thank staff and colleagues.
  • The board approved the resolution honoring Gazzone.

Public Health AB 86 Safe Schools for All Allocation

  • The board considered recommendations regarding the AB 86 Safe Schools for All allocation for COVID-19 activities.
  • A request for public comment from Janine Dorn was noted, but she was not connected to the meeting.
  • The board decided to move to the next item and return to this item later in the session.
  • The item was subsequently approved as part of the administrative agenda balance.

Letter of Support for AB 941 Farmworker Resource Program

  • The board considered a letter of support for AB 941, which establishes a Farmworker Resource Program.
  • Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell of CoLab, who opposed the bill.
  • Supervisors expressed support for the bill, citing the importance of supporting farm labor, oversight, and collaboration.
  • The board approved the letter of support for AB 941.

Resolution Proclaiming 90 Years of Service by the Clinical Laboratory

  • The board considered a resolution proclaiming June 30, 2021, as the culmination of 90 years of service by the Santa Barbara County Clinical Laboratory.
  • Supervisor Hart spoke about the laboratory’s history, while Dr. Vonda Renoso and Linda Wiseman spoke via Zoom regarding accreditation.
  • The board approved the resolution recognizing the laboratory’s milestone.

Update on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

  • Dr. Dovernoso presented county metrics, including case rates, testing positivity rates, and vaccination status.
  • Assistant CEO Nancy Anderson reported on the end of the RISE program and updates to Cal OSHA emergency temporary standards.
  • Discussion focused on the timeline for ending temporary right-of-way extensions and the process for public self-attestation.
  • The board accepted the recommended actions regarding the update.

Extra Help Services and Retirement Waiver for Sheriff’s Office

  • The Sheriff’s Office requested approval for extra help services for a retired aircraft mechanic.
  • A waiver of the 180-day back-to-work requirement was requested due to critical need and hiring difficulties.
  • Chair Nelson asked about outsourcing options for the position.
  • The board approved the staff recommendation for the extra help services and waiver.

Melville et al. Appeal of SFS Farms OPCO 1 LLC Cannabis Cultivation Project

  • Staff presented the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of an 86.8-acre outdoor cannabis cultivation project.
  • The appellant and applicant presented arguments regarding odor, terpene drift, and legal compliance.
  • Staff presented two revised project options, with the applicant expressing a preference for Option B (150-foot buffer).
  • The board approved Items A through D with the recommended action, incorporating the revisions shown in the presentation.

Third Quarter Update on Cannabis Compliance, Enforcement, and Taxation

  • Staff presented updates on tax revenues, land use status, business licenses, and emerging issues.
  • Discussion focused on concurrent licensing processes, acreage caps, odor control, and building permit delays.
  • Supervisor Hartmann raised concerns regarding compliance monitoring as the county approaches its cultivation cap.
  • The board adopted staff recommendations A through D, with direction to allow concurrent application for state and local licenses.

Truth Act Report and Community Forum

  • Sheriff Brown presented the 2020 Truth Act report, detailing the legal framework and data regarding ICE notification requests.
  • Public comment requested increased transparency and endorsement of the Vision Act.
  • Supervisors asked questions regarding community collaboration, data availability, and custody practices.
  • The board received the file and approved staff recommendations A through C.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Closed Session

  • The Clerk provided announcements regarding a closed session addendum for legal counsel conferences.
  • The conferences concern existing and anticipated litigation for the Central Coast Water Authority.
  • The conferences also cover litigation for the Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
  • The conferences include matters for the Board of Supervisors.

Full summary

Meeting Opening and Roll Call

  • The June 22, 2021, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Nelson. The Clerk of the Board called the roll, confirming all supervisors were present. The board pledged allegiance to the flag.

Approval of Minutes

  • The board considered the approval of minutes from the June 8, 2021, budget hearings and the June 15, 2021, regular meeting. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Announcements and Agenda Changes

  • The Clerk provided announcements regarding a closed session addendum for legal counsel conferences concerning existing and anticipated litigation for the Central Coast Water Authority, Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and the Board of Supervisors. An amendment to Administrative Item 49 was noted, updating the recommendation to approve a 13th amendment to the agreement with Tritec Software Systems for the computer-aided dispatch system maintenance through March 31, 2022. The agenda was reordered to place Departmental Item 4 (Cannabis Update) before Departmental Item 5 (Melville et al. appeal). A time certain of no earlier than 3:00 p.m. was set for Departmental Item 6 (Truth Act Report). Instructions for public participation via Zoom and phone were provided.

Motion to Continue Departmental Item 1

  • A motion was made and seconded to continue Departmental Item 1 (Countywide Community Workforce Agreement ordinance and project template) to the August 17, 2021, meeting. No public comment was received. The motion passed unanimously.

County Executive Officer’s Report

  • The County Executive Officer reported no items for the morning session.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Approval of Administrative Agenda

  • The Chair requested that items A-18, A-20, A-38, A-55, and A-65 be pulled for individual discussion. The Clerk noted public comment requests for items A-42, A-55, and A-65, and suggested including A-64. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding items A-18, A-20, A-42, A-55, A-64, and A-65. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 18: Behavioral Wellness and General Services Contract Renewals

  • The board considered contract renewals for Telecare Corporation and Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc. for Adult Crisis Residential Mental Health Services. Discussion focused on lease rates for county properties provided to vendors, with staff clarifying that rates include operational costs and are based on actual costs reimbursed by state and federal dollars. Staff corrected a previously cited rate error for a Lompoc location. A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 20: Community Services Climate Action Planning Services

  • The board considered a first amendment to the agreement with Rincon Consultants Inc. for Climate Action Planning Services. Discussion addressed the update of data collection methodologies to ensure comparability with historical data and the potential impact on future regulations. Staff noted that final policies would likely remain similar, with implementation extent being the deciding factor. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 65: Resolution Honoring County Counsel Mike C. Gazzone

  • The board considered a resolution honoring County Counsel Mike C. Gazzone upon his retirement. The Clerk read the resolution, and Chief Assistant County Counsel Rachel Van Molen spoke regarding Gazzone’s service. Public comment was received from Renee O’Neill. Gazzone addressed the board, thanking staff and colleagues. Supervisors Lavinino, Williams, Hartmann, and Nelson offered remarks. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 38: Fire Station Acquisition

  • Chair Nelson noted that Item A-38, regarding the potential acquisition of a property in Orcutt for a third fire station, had already been approved. No further action was taken on this item in this segment.

Administrative Item 42: Public Health AB 86 Safe Schools for All Allocation

  • The board considered recommendations regarding the AB 86 Safe Schools for All allocation for COVID-19 activities. The Clerk noted a request for public comment from Janine Dorn, who was not connected. The board decided to move to the next item and return to this item later.

Administrative Item 55: Letter of Support for AB 941 Farmworker Resource Program

  • The board considered a letter of support for AB 941. Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell of CoLab, who opposed the bill. Supervisors Nelson, Williams, Hartmann, Lavinino, and Hart expressed support for the bill, citing the importance of supporting farm labor, oversight, and collaboration. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 64: Resolution Proclaiming 90 Years of Service by the Clinical Laboratory

  • The board considered a resolution proclaiming June 30, 2021, as the culmination of 90 years of service by the Santa Barbara County Clinical Laboratory. Supervisor Hart spoke about the laboratory’s history. Dr. Vonda Renoso and Linda Wiseman spoke via Zoom regarding the lab’s history and accreditation. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 842: Public Health Recommendations regarding COVID-19 AB 86 Safe Schools for All

  • The Clerk noted this item was previously missed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.

General Public Comment

  • Four individuals spoke during general public comment. Topics included questions regarding mask effectiveness and vaccine efficacy, a personal account regarding ivermectin use, a thank-you from the Mayor of Santa Maria for a contribution toward soccer field construction, and a request to allow Zoom comments and remove social distancing requirements. Chair Nelson noted that public comments regarding COVID-19 response are typically directed to specific departmental items.

Departmental Item 2: Update on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

  • Dr. Dovernoso presented county metrics, including case rates, testing positivity rates, and vaccination status. Assistant CEO Nancy Anderson reported on the end of the RISE program and updates to Cal OSHA emergency temporary standards, noting that physical distancing signage and barriers are optional for county facilities, and public entering facilities must self-attest to vaccination status or wear a face covering. Discussion focused on the timeline for ending temporary right-of-way extensions and food permits, and the process for public self-attestation. Five individuals provided public comment, raising concerns about vaccine verification, mandates, and medical discourse. A motion was made and seconded to accept the recommended actions. The motion passed unanimously.

Departmental Item 3: Extra Help Services and Retirement Waiver for Sheriff’s Office

  • The Sheriff’s Office requested approval for extra help services for a retired aircraft mechanic and a waiver of the 180-day back-to-work requirement due to critical need and hiring difficulties. Chair Nelson asked about outsourcing options. A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Departmental Item 5: Melville et al. Appeal of SFS Farms OPCO 1 LLC Cannabis Cultivation Project

  • Staff presented the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of an 86.8-acre outdoor cannabis cultivation project. Staff addressed issues regarding CEQA compliance, Comprehensive Plan consistency, Williamson Act compliance, odor impacts, pesticide migration, and cannabis terpenes, recommending denial of the appeal and de novo approval subject to conditions.
  • The appellant, Kurt Ammon, presented on behalf of Melville Winery and Ganey Vineyard, citing concerns about odor, terpene drift, and proximity. The applicant, SFS Farms, presented on behalf of the project, citing legal compliance, scientific evidence regarding terpenes, and willingness to add vegetative screening.
  • The board discussed potential impacts on neighboring wineries and considered options for increasing setbacks and adding vegetative screening. Staff presented two revised project options developed with the applicant: Option A (100-foot setback) and Option B (relocation of nursery area to create a 150-foot buffer). The applicant expressed a preference for Option B. The appellant requested clarification on whether setbacks would bind future operators.
  • Supervisor Lavinino moved to approve Items A through D with the recommended action, incorporating the revisions shown in the presentation (specifically Option B). Supervisor Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Departmental Item 4: Third Quarter Update on Cannabis Compliance, Enforcement, and Taxation

  • Staff presented updates on tax revenues, land use status, business licenses, state licensing, retail storefronts, and emerging issues. Discussion focused on concurrent licensing processes, acreage caps, odor control, and building permit delays. Supervisor Hartmann raised concerns regarding compliance monitoring as the county approaches its cultivation cap.
  • Five individuals provided public comment, addressing staffing levels, odor monitoring, site designations, and concurrent application policies.
  • Supervisor Lavinino moved to adopt staff recommendations A, B, C, and D, with specific direction to allow concurrent application for state licenses and local business licenses for applicants with approved LUPs not on appeal. Supervisor Hartmann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Departmental Item 6: Truth Act Report and Community Forum

  • Sheriff Brown presented the 2020 Truth Act report, detailing the legal framework, Sheriff’s Office policy, and data regarding ICE notification requests and re-arrests. Fourteen individuals provided public comment, requesting increased transparency, endorsement of the Vision Act, and clarification on reporting discrepancies. Sheriff Brown addressed the discrepancy in reporting between state and federal submissions. Supervisors Hart, Hartmann, and Lavinino asked questions regarding community collaboration, data availability, and custody practices.
  • Supervisor Lavinino moved to receive the file. Supervisor Hartmann seconded the motion. The Board conducted a roll-call vote to approve staff recommendations A through C. The motion passed unanimously.

Closing Remarks

  • Chair Nelson concluded the meeting, noting the next session is scheduled for July 13. He thanked Mr. Gazzone for his service. Mr. Gazzone thanked the Board and reported on the dismissal of a lawsuit involving the Ortega Reservoir area property.